fridge comparisons?

Gidday,
I've used a Waeco 35 for years and it's been good but I'm looking at getting a bigger fridge/freezer unit. I like the look of the Evakool FM70 (fridge and freezer) - Fridgemate 70 litre.
They look like they have better insulation they Waeco or Engel. If true this should mean they use less battery power to keep them going (all other things being equal such as outside temperature etc).
Does anybody know about any comparative testing that's been done on energy efficiency and comparisons between the main fridge brands?
cheers
Lucas
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Luke2 - Monday, Jul 06, 2009 at 10:25

Monday, Jul 06, 2009 at 10:25
just found these two links on the explorer fridge website which has a comparison -

energy use

prices

looks like the evakool 70 compares pretty well with similar sized units in other brands. I like the look of the explorer 70 litre too but at $1995 it's $800 more than the Evakool FM70.
I don't think the extra control is worth that much to me.
Although the evakool website mentions 45mm of insulation whereas explorer quote 75mm. decisions decisions.
Lucas
AnswerID: 373289

Follow Up By: Maîneÿ . . .- Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 08:03

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 08:03
Lucas,
Yes, it's a sort of "comparison" but it's results are also very flawed :-(

It's also a number of years old now, fridge technology has improved greatly since the 'test' was done.

Maîneÿ . . .
0
FollowupID: 640558

Reply By: Gronk - Monday, Jul 06, 2009 at 10:45

Monday, Jul 06, 2009 at 10:45
Trailblazer !!!! 75mm insulation with the option of 100mm ..

And compared to Engel, pretty reasonable prices as well..

Aussie made...only downside ( after reading your post again ) is I'm not sure they do a fridge/freezer ??
AnswerID: 373290

Reply By: bks - Monday, Jul 06, 2009 at 11:48

Monday, Jul 06, 2009 at 11:48
I have recently used an evakool 70 and it was very good much better than my waeco 80lt.
AnswerID: 373293

Reply By: raffee - Monday, Jul 06, 2009 at 14:24

Monday, Jul 06, 2009 at 14:24
hi i have the 60lt trailblazer cant fault it sits on the back of my 75 series tray back rain hail or shine after sales service is preety good aswell
AnswerID: 373308

Follow Up By: olddigger - Monday, Jul 06, 2009 at 16:20

Monday, Jul 06, 2009 at 16:20
Have a look at
http://www.bushman.com.au/
The fridge is claimed to use less power than other brands and the price is not too bad. Assistant in camping shop at the weekend told me Engel has had two price increases in recent months and, as he put it, "killed their market."
Cheers, Tony
0
FollowupID: 640484

Follow Up By: Nickywoop - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 06:59

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 06:59
Raffee,

My Trailblazer has really been looked after for the past 12 years, out in the weather, hit with firewood and posts, just as well it's built of marine grade aluminium !!

Me old bluedog stands on it and looks over the rack, and it's never missed a beat. Try treating one of the plastic built ones like that.

You have to buy a blanket to wrap them plastic ones up in the back air conditioned vehicle to help them keep cold, to save a bit of power.

Yes have been travelling with people with all types, yes they all work but I notice as their kids have grownup the kids buy a Trailblazer fridge/freezer, not a plastic one like the old mans.
This will fire up a few comments I bet.

Nick
0
FollowupID: 640552

Reply By: Member - Boo Boo (NSW) - Monday, Jul 06, 2009 at 18:05

Monday, Jul 06, 2009 at 18:05
I've got a Bushman with the optional collar and lid to make it 52 ltrs.

Last week I stacked it chokka block with frozen fish fillets in Scone and turned the thermostat down to minus 17. Opened it up in Blackwater 52 hours later and every thing was still frozen.

I think they are still less than $1000.

A great fridge/freezer.
AnswerID: 373339

Follow Up By: olddigger - Monday, Jul 06, 2009 at 21:21

Monday, Jul 06, 2009 at 21:21
Good to hear that Boo Boo. I'm leaning towards the Bushman for several reasons, including price. Good insulation, too, and the 52 litres should be plenty for a bloke on his own. Engels are nice, but gee, the price ...
Cheers, Tony
0
FollowupID: 640530

Reply By: Mark Howlett - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 19:51

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 19:51
The next 4wd Action mag will have a fridge comparison; their last one (5 years or so ago) was well done.

Cheers,

Mark.
AnswerID: 373505

Follow Up By: Luke2 - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:24

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:24
thanks - any idea the date that mag will come out?
0
FollowupID: 640636

Follow Up By: Mark Howlett - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 23:09

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 23:09
Will only be 2 weeks at most.
0
FollowupID: 640666

Reply By: Best Off Road - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:41

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:41
A Waeco for 35 years?

I thought they'd only been in Australia for about 12 years.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking Waeco, my 80 (a second) is five years old and going fine.

Jim.

AnswerID: 373516

Follow Up By: Luke2 - Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 08:29

Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 08:29
i think I wrote that I had a "waeco 35 for years" not a "waeco for 35 years: :-)
0
FollowupID: 640685

Follow Up By: Best Off Road - Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 11:09

Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 11:09
Oops, looks like a trip to OPSM is in order LOL

0
FollowupID: 640710

Follow Up By: Maîneÿ . . .- Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 12:01

Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 12:01
Simply a case of the mind 'seeing' what it can easily understand or believe
The eyes can see the words - it's the mind that's changed them around :-)

Maîneÿ . . .
0
FollowupID: 640716

Sponsored Links